Pool brush with dual-position hydrofoil and method for steering

ABSTRACT

A pool brush includes a hydrofoil moving on a hinge. The hydrofoil provides downforce on the surface being brushed regardless of the direction of the pool brush (pulled or pushed). Adjustable front and rear stops allow the amount of downforce to be adjusted and to compensate for larger and deeper pools. The hydrofoil also creates a method for laterally steering the pool brush by twisting the handle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention relates to pool brushes and, in particular, tohydrofoils for increasing the downforce on the surface being cleanedwhile sweeping in both directions. The invention also relates to amethod for steering a pool brush.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Part of the regular maintenance of swimming pools involvesbrushing the walls and bottom of the pool with a brush. To remove dirtand algae, the wall or bottom must be brushed with sufficient force. Along handle is connected to the brush to allow the brush to reach thebottom and the middle of the pool.

[0005] For larger pools, longer handles must be used to reach the centerof the pool bottom. With longer handles, the amount of leverage requiredon the handle to create a sufficient force of the brush on the surfacealso increases. Likewise, the amount of force on the handle to steer thebrush right and left also increases.

[0006] To increase downforce on the surface, hydrofoils have been addedto brushes. The angle of the hydrofoils causes a downforce on thesurface being cleaned as the brush and hydrofoil are moved through thewater.

[0007] Hydrofoils that are fixed provide downforce when the brush ismoved in one direction. Usually, the hydrofoil has been angled toprovide downforce when the brush is pushed away from the personoperating the pool brush: i.e., the cleaner. Fixed hydrofoils howeverprovide lift, not downforce, when reciprocated and pulled toward thecleaner.

[0008] In the prior art, to reduce drag and lift, hinges have been addedallowing the hydrofoil to swing freely into a position of no resistance.However, in this position, the brush can be pulled back withoutresistance but the hydrofoil does not provide any downforce.

[0009] O'Callaghan (U.S. Pat. No. 4,783,868) discloses a free-rotatingvane for an underliquid cleaning device. The vane pivots back and forthdepending on the direction that the brush is pushed. Stops limit theangle that the plate can be positioned. In O'Callaghan, the stops arenot adjustable. In addition, the vane contains holes merely made duringthe construction of the hinge. O'Callahan's holes are not constructed(i.e., sized, located, angled) for steering.

[0010] Feiberg (U.S. Pat. No. 4,637,087) discloses a fixed water foilthat has a rubber surface acting like a check valve. The water foilangle cannot be adjusted. The water foil only provides force whenpushed, but not when pulled.

[0011] Conrad (U.S. Pat. No. 4,733,427) discloses a hinged wing attachedto a brush. The wing provides a downforce when the brush is pushed andpivots in line with the pole when pulled. The angle of the wing is notadjustable. The wing is designed not to contact the surface when pulled.

[0012] Meschulam (U.S. Pat. No. 5,983,431) discloses a fixed attachmentthat attaches to a brush. The attachment includes flow apertures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide poolbrush with dual-position hydrofoil that overcomes the above-mentioneddisadvantages of the heretofore-known devices and methods of thisgeneral type.

[0014] With the foregoing and other objects in view there is provided,in accordance with the invention, a pool brush for moving through afluid in forward and reverse directions along a surface: i.e., the poolbottom or pool wall. The pool brush includes a brush, a hydrofoil, and ahinge connecting the brush and the hydrofoil. For reasons discussedbelow, the brush is preferably round. The hydrofoil rotatably connectsto the brush and forms an obtuse angle to the direction in which thebrush is being pushed. The hinge allows the hydrofoil to rotate so thatthe obtuse angle can be maintained.

[0015] In accordance with a further object of the invention, the poolbrush includes a front stop. The front stop limits the angle when thebrush is moved in the reverse direction, i.e., when the brush is beingpulled toward the cleaner. The front stop contacts the hydrofoil andlimits the angle that the hydrofoil goes forward. The adjustable frontstop therefore prevents the hydrofoil from falling to a position of noresistance.

[0016] In accordance with a further object of the invention, the frontstop is adjustable. By being adjustable, the front stop can provide anoptimum angle regardless of the length of the handle. In addition, anadjustable front stop lets the drag be decreased by increasing theobtuse angle.

[0017] In accordance with a further object of the invention, the poolbrush includes a rear stop limiting the obtuse angle when the brush ismoved in the forward direction: i.e., pushed away from the cleaner. Therear stop performs the same functions as the front stop when the brushis moved in the forward direction. The rear stop also can be adjustablein order to perform the same purposes as the adjustable front stop butwhen the brush is moved in the forward direction.

[0018] In accordance with a further object of the invention, the brushhas at least a semicircular cross section. The round part of thissemicircular cross section faces the surface to be cleaned. The brushcan be more than a semicircular and even fully circular. By having asemicircular cross section, the surface being cleaned will always betangential to some part of the semicircular brush regardless of theangle of the handle/brush, which may change depending on the depth ofthe pool and the length of the handle being used.

[0019] In accordance with a further object of the invention, the poolbrush includes a connector. The connector connects to the brush. Handlesof various lengths can be attached to the connector unusually byspring-loaded prongs or screws. The length of the handle also can beadjustable by telescoping. By being able to connect to different lengthhandles, the length required to reach the center of the pool can beadded or extended. The connector preferably forms an acute angle fromthe surface being cleaned toward the cleaner.

[0020] In accordance with a further object of the invention, thehydrofoil can have a slot formed therein. The slot allows water tostream through. As the water streams through the slot, the pool brush iskept straight by the momentum of the flow.

[0021] In accordance with a further object of the invention, the brushhas a rubber base and bristles protrude from the rubber base. The hingecan have an iron hanger around which the rubber base can be formed.

[0022] In accordance with a further object of the invention, the poolbrush can include a handle connected to the brush. As stated, the handlepreferably connects to the brush via the connector. The handle shouldhave a length long enough to reach at least the center of the pool.

[0023] With the objects of the invention in view, there is also provideda method for cleaning an underwater surface. The first step of themethod is providing a pool brush as described above. The pool brushincludes a brush, a hydrofoil rotatably connected to the brush thatforms an obtuse angle to the direction of brushing (i.e. pushing orpulling), a hinge connecting the brush and the hydrofoil, the hingerotating the hydrofoil and maintaining the obtuse angle, and a handleconnected to the brush. The next step is moving the brush along thesurface in a forward direction while allowing the hydrofoil to pivot toan obtuse angle to the forward direction. The next step is moving thebrush along the surface (i.e. the wall or bottom) in a reverse directionwhile allowing the hydrofoil to pivot to an obtuse angle to the reversedirection.

[0024] In accordance with a further mode of the invention, the methodincludes steering the brush left by rotating the handle clockwise whilemoving the brush in either the forward or reverse direction.

[0025] In accordance with a further object of the invention, the methodincludes steering the brush right by rotating the handlecounterclockwise while moving the brush in either the forward or thereverse direction.

[0026] Other features which are considered as characteristic for theinvention are set forth in the appended claims.

[0027] Although the invention is illustrated and described herein asembodied in pool brush with dual-position hydrofoil and method forsteering, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the detailsshown, since various modifications and structural changes may be madetherein without departing from the spirit of the invention and withinthe scope and range of equivalents of the claims.

[0028] The construction and method of operation of the invention,however, together with additional objects and advantages thereof will bebest understood from the following description of specific embodimentswhen read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pool brush;

[0030]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the pool brush taken along theline 2-2 shown in FIG. 1;

[0031]FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the pool brush; and

[0032]FIG. 4 is a top view of the pool brush and, in phantom, steeringright and steering left.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] Referring now to the figures of the drawing in detail and first,particularly, to FIG. 1 thereof, there is seen a pool brush generallymarked with reference numeral 1.

[0034] The pool brush 1 includes a brush 2. The brush 2 is made ofrubber. Preferably, the brush 2 has a semicircular cross-section 22; seeFIG. 2. Bristles 21 extend from the brush 2. The semicircularcross-section 22 allows the brush 2 to be perpendicular to the surfaceregardless of the angle at which the handle 9 is held to the surfacebeing cleaned.

[0035] A hinge 4 connects to the brush 2. Preferably, the hinge 4 is apiano hinge. The hinge 4 includes a first set of eyes 41 on the brushintermeshing with a second set of eyes 42. A pin 65 is threaded throughthe first set of eyes 41 and the second set of eyes 42 and connectsthem. Screws 11 fasten the hinge 4 to the brush 2. The screws 11penetrate the brush 2.

[0036] A hydrofoil 5 rotatably connects to the hinge 4. The hydrofoil 5rotates on the hinge 4 relative to the brush 2. The hydrofoil 5maintains an obtuse angle with the direction in which the pool brush 1is moved. Regardless of the direction of the brushing (forward orbackward), the hydrofoil 5 rotates on the hinge 4 to maintain the obtuseangle. The obtuse angle moving through the water creates a downforce onthe brush 2. The downforce from the hydrofoil 5 allows a brusher topress the brush down with less force. In addition, because the poolbrush 1 provides downforce whether is pushed or pulled, the pool brush 1is twice as efficient as brushes that only provide downforce when movedin one direction. The hydrofoil can be made from a light strong materialsuch as aluminum, resin, stainless steel, etc.

[0037] Slots 52 are formed in the hydrofoil 5. When water flows throughthe slots 52 as the pool brush 1 is being moved, the flow causes thepool brush 1 to continue moving straight.

[0038] A rim 51 is added around the periphery of the hydrofoil 5. Therim 51 deflects water flowing by the hydrofoil 5 and provides additionaldownforce.

[0039] A front stop 6 limits the angle formed by the hydrofoil 5 whenthe pool brush 1 is moved in the reverse direction (toward the brusher).The front stop 6 abuts the hydrofoil 5 to prevent it from rotatingfurther on the hinge 4. The front stop 6 is adjustable. By adjusting thefront stop 6, the angle can be controlled. Typically, the front stop 6will be adjusted to provide sufficient downforce while minimizing drag.The adjustment is also necessary because the optimal angle may changedepending on the depth of the pool and the distance from the brusher.The front stop 6 includes a stationary gear 64 that releasably engages aclutch gear 63 that includes a knob 62. The stationary gear 64 has aplurality of crenels and merlons that intermesh with a complementaryseries of crenels and merlons on the clutch gear 63. A spring 67 holdsthe clutch gear 63 in an engaged position. By pulling on the knob 62 andcompressing the spring 67, the clutch gear 63 can be released from androtated relative to the stationary gear 64; this moves the tab 61 andadjusts the angle. Markings can be added to indicate the angle.

[0040] A connector 8 connects to the brush 2 and extends at an acuteangle toward the brusher. A handle 9 connects to the connector 8. Screws91 fasten the connector 8 to the handle 9. Different lengths of handles9 can be attached to the connector depending on the size and depth ofthe pool. A reinforcement 10 extends laterally from the connector 8. Thebrush is then formed around the reinforcement 10.

[0041] A rear stop 7 limits the angle formed by the hydrofoil 5 when thepool brush 1 is moved in the forward direction (away from the brusher).The rear stop 7 abuts the hydrofoil 5 to prevent it from rotatingfurther on the hinge 4. The rear stop 7 is adjustable. By adjusting therear stop 7, the angle can be controlled. Typically, the rear stop 7will be adjusted to provide sufficient downforce while minimizing drag.The adjustment is also necessary because the optimal angle may changedepending on the depth of the pool and the distance from the brusher.The rear stop 7 includes a guide channel 71 and a pivot. The rear stop 7rotates about the pivot 71. The pivot 72 is fixed to the connector 8. Abolt 77 extends through the hole 76 in the connector and through theguide channel 71. A nut 75 fastens the rear stop to the bolt 77.Markings 73 allow the rear stop to be precisely adjusted.

[0042]FIG. 4 illustrates a method of steering the pool brush 1. Byrotating the handle 10, the hydrofoil 5 becomes skewed relative to thesurface being cleaned. As the pool brush 1 is moved the downforcecreated by the pool brush 1 then moves the pool brush 1 laterally. Tosteer the pool brush 1 right, the brusher would rotate the handlecounterclockwise. To steer the pool brush 1 left, the brusher wouldrotate the handle clockwise. Because the bottom and walls of the poolare usually brushed in rows, the ability to steer the pool brush 1 witha minimum effort makes moving the pool brush from row to row mucheasier.

I claim:
 1. A pool brush for moving through a fluid in forward andreverse directions along a surface, comprising: a brush; a hydrofoilrotatably connected to said brush and forming an obtuse angle to thedirection; and a hinge between said brush and said hydrofoil, said hingerotating said hydrofoil and maintaining the obtuse angle.
 2. The poolbrush according to claim 1, including a front stop limiting the anglewhen the brush is moved in the reverse direction.
 3. The pool brushaccording to claim 2, wherein said front stop is adjustable.
 4. The poolbrush according to claim 1, including a rear stop limiting the obtuseangle when the brush is moved in the forward direction.
 5. The poolbrush according to claim 1, wherein said brush has at least asemicircular cross section.
 6. The pool brush according to claim 1,including a connector for connecting said brush to a handle.
 7. The poolbrush according to claim 6, wherein said connector forms an acute anglewith one of the directions.
 8. The pool brush according to claim 1,wherein said hydrofoil has a slot formed therein.
 9. The pool brushaccording to claim 1, wherein said brush has a rubber base and bristlesprotruding from said rubber base.
 10. The pool brush according to claim1, including a handle connected to said brush.
 11. A method for cleaninga surface underwater, which comprises: providing a brush, a hydrofoilrotatably connected to the brush and forming an obtuse angle to thedirection, a hinge between the brush and the hydrofoil, the hingerotating the hydrofoil and maintaining the obtuse angle, and a handleconnected to the brush; moving the brush along the surface in a forwarddirection while allowing the hydrofoil to pivot to an obtuse angle tothe forward direction; and moving the brush along the surface in areverse direction while allowing the hydrofoil to pivot to an obtuseangle to the reverse direction.
 12. The method according to claim 11,which includes steering the brush left by rotating the handle clockwisewhile moving the brush in at least one of the forward and the reversedirections.
 13. The method according to claim 11, which includessteering the brush right by rotating the handle counterclockwise whilemoving the brush in at least one of the forward and the reversedirections.